Opinion: Disrespecting USA in school zone ... poor lesson for our kids

Artwork by Vietnam Veteran David Schulz (click to enlarge)

The following was submitted by Joan Liska, Middletown resident. 
See Editor's note, below, for more information on the artist.
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I am a proponent of freedom of speech.  I fully believe in the rights granted to us under our US Constitution.

For years I have seen this Middletown homeowner post his/her political positions on the front lawn and I have respected the right to do so whether or not I hold a similar or differing opinion politically.

However, this homeowner resides directly across the street from a grammar school.  This week the homeowner’s political discourse descended into disrespecting the very country that preserves our rights.  To display our American flag inverted is not only disrespecting our flag, our country, the veterans who fought to preserve our nation, and the citizens who are proud of this nation despite its political foibles, but this message also influences the formulating young minds in the neighboring school.

Photo by Cassandra Day, from Middletown Press article
on the Memorial to Vietnam Veterans, drawn by Schulz.

Our laws do not permit me to remove these inverted flags, but I can speak out to encourage him or her to be cognizant of the lesson of disrespectful this message sends to young children and to remove them willingly.

Joan Liska
Middletown resident

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Editor's note: 
The offending artwork was created by a Vietnam Veteran and noted artist. 

David Schulz was honored in March of this year with the City's Annual Arts Advocacy Award, given to "those who have significantly contributed to the cultural and artistic enrichment and/or have shown extraordinary support and initiative for the arts in our city".

Schulz' haunting portraits of veterans is a memorial mounted in the council chambers at city hall, it includes the names of nearly 500 veterans from Middletown who served between 1961 and 1975, whether in Vietnam or elsewhere.  For more on Schulz and the memorial, see Middletown Press Article or the Hartford Courant Article.

Disclaimer: Schulz' work has been featured in The Eye: 

• City Man Pens Tribute To UConn Women's Basketball Team (2017)
• More Curbside Editorials (2013)
• Bravo (2013) 
• David Schulz at Middletown Framing (2012)
• Roadside Editorial: The Day After (2012)
• Election Day Editorial (2012)
• New Roadside Editorial (2012)
• Lawn Editorials (2012)
• An Editorial and an Advertisement (2012)
• Roadside Editorial by David Schulz (2012)
• Not a Satellite Photo (2011) (This is Schulz' photo of a child's art)
• Sidewalk Sermon by David Schulz (2008)
• Another Sidewalk Sermon by David Schulz (2008)
• David Schulz on Joe Sixpack (2008)
• Reach for Change (2008)
• Editorial by David Schulz (2008)
• Art at the Library (2008)
• David Schulz Sends in the Clowns (2008)

Vintage Players and David Schulz to be Honored Monday

From the Commission on the Arts.
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The Commission on the Arts will honor a longtime theater group and visual artist on Monday during its annual Arts Advocacy Award ceremony at City Hall.

This year, commissioners chose the city-based Vintage Players troupe and resident artist David Schulz for its annual recognition of those who have significantly contributed to the cultural and artistic enrichment and/or have shown extraordinary support and initiative for the arts in our city.

San Francisco-born Schulz, who is primarily self-taught, took his first formal art class in Sioux City, Iowa, at 7. He studied art at the University of Wisconsin and began as a graphic designer/illustrator until he was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1967.

Schulz, who has lived in the city with his wife Carol for more than 40 years, spent many years designing and building sets for Oddfellows Playhouse, Artfarm and Watkinson School in West Hartford.

“These days I mostly draw and paint whatever is of interest to me at any given moment,” said Schulz, who has most recently focused his work on creating portraits. His art hangs in many private collections, including the city arts collection at City Hall.

The first staging of the Vintage Players, founded in 1993 by Jane McMillan, was a staged reading of "Dancing at Lughnasa" at the original Buttonwood Tree on Rapallo Avenue.

Over the years, original members John Hall and Lynne Ficudia were joined by Richard Kamins and Dorris Hallie. In 2003, veteran Broadway dancer and actress Carolyn Kirsh joined the group

Past productions have included "Mornings at Seven," "The Torchbearers," "Juno and the Paycock," and "Chasing Manet."

All funds raised over the past 25 years have gone to local nonprofits such as Oddfellows Playhouse and the Green Street Teaching and Learning Center.

The first awardees, in 2004, were the Middletown High School Band Goes to the Symphony and Public Schools arts programs.

Those honored in 2017 were artist Pierre Sylvain and the Middlesex Hospital Vocal Chords. In 2016, Arthur Meyers, Pam Tatge and MAC650 art gallery were commended for their efforts. For a complete list of annual awardees, contact the City Arts Office.

This local ceremony will be held March 12 from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. in lobby of the Council Chambers at City Hall. It coincides with National Arts Advocacy Day taking place the following week, March 20 to 21 in Washington, D.C.

Refreshments will be served and all are invited to the ceremony at City Hall, 245 deKoven Drive. For information, contact City Arts Coordinator Stephan Allison at 860.638.4510 or arts@middletownct.gov.

Editorial by David Schulz

Dave Schulz is a wonderful artist, whose work happens to be on display at the Russell Library this month.

But he's also a front-yard editorialist. His Burma Shave style, drive-by messages are always on target, and two-sided. Not that he discusses both sides of an issue, simply that both sides of his yard signs carry a message. This is the first time, as far as I know, that Schulz has used a visual only, no words, message for South bound drivers and pedestrians.

To see the work yourself, drive down Ridge south from Main Street Extension, and just as it passes Russell Street, you'll find the signs.

Here's what you'll see driving South.

















And here's what you'll see driving North.

An Editorial and an Advertisement

Local fine artist David Schulz is know for posting Burma-Shave-style political messages on the lawn of his home.

Thursday, Schulz will be hosting an opening of a showing of his works at the Green Street Arts Center.  The opening takes place during the Middletown Arts Walk from 5-9 p.m.

First the latest editorial, then the ad.

Roadside Editorial by David Schulz

COMMENTARY

Local fine artist David Schulz continues his series of roadside editorials.

"Willard" is Mitt Romney's real first name.

City Man Pens Tribute To UConn Women's Basketball Team

Today's Hartford Courant features an opinionated letter to the editor from city artist David Schulz. Schulz created the art in the Council Chambers, paying homage to the veterans of the last century's wars that claimed the lives of many city residents. 

His art, much of it political, has also frequently been featured in the pages of The Eye.

Sidewalk sermon by David Schulz

Editorial by artist, David Schulz.

My paint cans are almost empty. Elect Obama.

David Schulz at Middletown Framing

You've enjoyed his roadside editorials.  Now view the fine, fine art of David Schulz.

David Schulz on Joe Six Pack

Another front yard editorial from David Schulz.

"Already had 8 years...of Joe Six Pack...We need some rehab."

David Schulz sends in the clowns

David Schulz, a great painter, and a huge supporter of Oddfellows, and the annual circus, is chagrined, because the opening reception for a show of his new work at the Essex Art Association Gallery, is on the same evening as the circus. Here's a note he's sent to his supporters.

New Roadside Editorial

Commentary from David Schulz

TV on the Stage + a Personal Note

I am of the generation that "grew up" with television, among the millions transfixed by images as disparate as the Kennedy/Nixon Debates, The Beatles on "The Ed Sullivan Show", the Vietnam War, the 1968 Democratic Convention in Chicago, the Watergate Hearings, the "First Man to Walk on the Moon", the Super Bowl, and so on.

Curious as I was about the world, I (and most of my friends) took the television for granted.  As far as I could tell, it had always stood in the corner of the living room (oddly enough, our large 1940s vintage radio was in the dining room) and, with the exception of the occasional power outage, always when you turned it on.

"The Farnsworth Invention", a play by Aaron Sorkin ("West Wing", "The American President") is currently onstage at Oddfellows Playhouse (through May 6.)  Witty, scientific, poignant, brash, and sporting an excellent "set" (created by David Schulz), the cast of 11 members of the OP's Teen Repertory Company (directed by Marcy Arlin) make this piece come alive.  The story, narrated by both Philo T. Farnsworth and David Sarnoff, is about the birth of television with the former being a self-trained scientist who grew up on a farm in Idaho who created the first workable idea for the distribution and capturing of images and the latter the founder of RCA and NBC and fervent believer in the power of the media as a tool for education and the betterment of society.  The playwright creates a scenario that clearly states Sarnoff won the battle of the "patent" and went on to become an even bigger player in media.  We are led to believe (by the playwright) that Farnsworth "disappeared into the bottle" but he had quite a productive life as a scientist and visionary (click here to read more.)

I would recommend you go see "The Farnsworth Invention" for any number of reasons, not the least of which it is a compelling production.  As one has learned to expect from Sorkin, the repartee is intelligent and profane while the story draws you in.  Kudos to the cast and technical staff for making an evening of magic.

Performances are this Saturday (4/30) at 7:30 p.m. and next Friday and Saturday at the same time.  Not recommended for children under 13, call 860-347-6143 for reservations. 

In other Oddfellows news, Producing Artistic Director Jeffery Allen is leaving Middletown for Bloomington, Indiana, to create new opportunities in the arts for people of all ages. During his 6+ years in Middletown, he worked tirelessly to raise the already high bar for creativity and community involvement that Oddfellows Playhouse is known for.  And, he succeeded mainly because he did not look at the work he was doing as "children's theater" but as "theater", as the opportunity to educate young people in the power of creativity and interaction, in community and sharing, and in how to "lose" and also "find" your self through the creative process.  And, just as important, to have fun!

On a personal level, working with Jeff, Jerry Winters, Carolyn Kirsch, Rob Resnikoff (whose daughter, incidentally, is assistant director of "The Farnsworth Invention"), Jackie Coleman and the rest of the cast of "Hamlet" is one of the highlights of my life (and not just my life onstage.)  Oddfellows Playhouse will survive and thrive as will Middletown but Jeff Allen's vision and desire will be sorely missed.

The City Awash in Art

The image above, Jacob Riis' "Street Arabs - Night Boys in Sleeping Quarters (Newsboys)", is just one of many such shots from the past 170 years that will be on display during the fall semester at Wesleyan.

"Eye of History: The Camera as Witness" encompasses 3 separate exhibitions, 4 talks and 2 screenings, all linked to the photographic image in its role as giving readers and viewers a closer look at the world. On September 13, "Framing and Being Framed: The Uses of Documentary Photography"opens in Zilkha Gallery: the Opening Reception is Friday the 12th from 5 - 7 p.m. during which time curator Nina Felshin will give an overview of the exhibition and the entire project.

"Looking for an Icon", the 2007 award-winning documentary that is an in-depth investigation of photographs whose power has lasted long after the event has faded from the public eye, will be shown in the Gallery on Tuesday September 16 at 7 p.m. Click here for more information.

The Riis image is part of "The Photograph and the Book", an exhibition at Olin Library that opens on October 16. The following day, "Document or Art? Photography in the Long 19th Century, 1839-1914", opens its 7-week run in the Davison Art Center. For more information about "Eye of History", go to http://eyeofhistory.wesleyan.edu.

One could make quite a day out of taking an "Arts Stroll" through our town. There's the David Schulz show at The Russell Library, the "Art Without Judges" at MAC 650 Artspace on Main Street, "The Bizarre and the Beautiful"at Davison Art Center, and "The Pearls of the Snowlands" in the lovely gallery inside the Mansfield Freeman Center for East Asian Studies on Mansfield Terrace. One should not forget the display of arts works inside Middletown's City Hall. Organized by the Middletown City on the Arts, the impressive collection features many different styles, including sculpture, on the walls throughout the building. There is a well-lit showcase on the Main floor and several playful wiry creations by the late John Risley outside the Council Chambers.

The art is all around us, one just has to make the effort to go exploring.

Art at the library

Noted local painter, and occasional yard editorialist, David Schulz, exhibits his work in the reference department of the Russell Library, on Broad Street, through September. The exhibit features several styles including portraiture, landscape and abstract paintings.

Lawn Editorials

COMMENTARY from David Schulz.

Places to Go, People to See and Hear (7/31-8/02)

Friday July 31:
There are 3 major music festivals going on in Connecticut, each within easy driving range. No specifics here but there will be links to get you to each website.

The Great CT Traditional Jazz Festival takes place from Friday evening through Sunday afternoon at Mountain Ridge on High Hill Road in Wallingford. Scheduled is pianist Jeff Barnhart (pictured), Louis Ford & His New Orleans Flairs, Cornet Chop Suey, Wolverine Jazz Band, Galvanized Jazz Band, Blue Street, Festival favorites Igor's Jazz Cowboys and many other fine purveyors of jazz and swing. For more information including prices, directions and to discover how the Festival aids the Horns 4 Kids program, go www.greatctjazz.org.

If you like your jazz with a bit more "modern" feel (but not "avant-garde") you could head for the Litchfield hills for the 2009 Litchfield Jazz Festival, to be held Friday through Sunday on the grounds of the Kent School in Kent, CT. This year's lineup ranges from the traditional sounds of the Preservation Hall Jazz Band to the brilliant Cuban-born drummer Dafnis Prieto & his Si O Si Quartet to vocalist/pianist Dena DeRose (pictured) to the lush sounds of vocalist Jane Monheit to the "world jazz" guitarist from Benin, Lionel Loueke, to the mainstream saxophone sounds of Houston Person (and much more.) Go to www.litchfieldjazzfest.com for the complete lineup, directions, and to learn more about the Festival's Jazz Camp. It's also the weekend for the the Connecticut Wine Trail's 2009 Wine Festival, to be held on the nearby Goshen Fairgrounds in Goshen. A good number of the wineries are located in the Litchfield hills - you can check out more at www.ctwines.com.

The Podunk Bluegrass Music Festival actually starts tonight (Thursday) and runs through Sunday. Held on the grounds of the spacious Martin Park in East Hartford, this year's program features Rhonda Vincent & The Rage, the Allison Brown Quartet with Joe Craven, Goldheart, the James King Band, the Lovell Sisters, Natalie MacMaster, the Steep Canyon Rangers and many more. Headlining the show on Friday evening will be the Del McCoury Band (pictured) whose 2008 CD "Moneyland" brought together many different artists for a true social commentary on the foibles of the economic downturn and the culture of greed. Del is celebrating 50 years as a performing artist and is a true bluegrass legend. To find out more about the festivals and the fine lineup, go to www.podunkbluegrass.net/.

Meanwhile in Middletown, Friday afternoon at 5 p.m. at Spencer School, Westfield Street, the 21st Annual Children's Circus of Middletown, created by Oddfellows Playhouse and sponsored by the Middletown Commission on the Arts, presents "In Your Dreams." From the press release, "The show features over 200 young stilters, jugglers, clowns, unicyclists, dancers, and acrobats. Live music is performed by a 15-piece Circus Band, led by well-known local musician Dirck Westervelt. Come early and enjoy the offerings of the Pre-Show Carnival presented by Middlesex County Non Profit Organizations. Popcorn and pirates, crafts and music will keep you busy before the Circus begins."

For more information, call 347-6143. Rain date in Saturday August 1 at 12noon in the same location.

Saturday August 1:
The Middlesex Academy of the Performing Arts, located on the campus of Independent Day School, Laurel Brook Road in Middlefield, presents "You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown" at 5 p.m. Based on the characters created by the late Charles Schulz, the musical is light-hearted and features a catchy score by Clark Gesner. Tickets should be available at the door. For more information, go to www.middlesexacademy.org.


The Buttonwood Tree presents a bluegrass show of its own Friday at 8 p.m. 19 Strings, a quartet featuring Rob Blaney (banjo), his brother Jeff (mandolin, bass), Marianne Vogel (violin) and Willie Larsen (guitar), plays country standards, a bit of folk music, waltzes, spirituals, Bob Dylan tunes and even an Irish jig or 2. Call 347-4957 to reserve a seat for this, the last show of the Buttonwood's 2008-09 season.

Boney's Music Lounge welcomes back the very popular Melvin Sparks Trio for an evening of incendiary jazz/funk and r'n'b. Guitarist Sparks, drummer Bill Carbone and organist Matthew O. will play from 8:30 to 12midnight and, no matter, the temperature outside, the Lounge will be "smokin."

The Upside Down Flag-Likes Are Gone Replaced by Another David Schulz Roadside Editorial

Roadside Editorial: The Day After

COMMENTARY by David Schulz

Reach for change

Another David Schulz front yard editorial.

"The only change McCain wants...Is whatever Bush left...In our pockets (by accident).

A Beautiful Evening For Shakespeare

It’s a beautiful evening for Shakespeare!

And eight evenings of fabulous live music and professional Shakespeare in the Grove begin tonight at Middlesex Community College with ARTFARM’s Tenth Anniversary Production.

Shakespeare's Argument, ARTFARM's original Shakespeare in the Grove 2011 production, is turning out to be one of the most exciting shows that we have ever worked on. A breakneck ninety minute journey through the best of Shakespeare's comedies, histories and tragedies driven by four fabulous actors -- Marcella Trowbridge, Annie DiMartino, Ken O'Brien and Jesse Gabbard. Dazzling kinetic set by David Schulz and a veritable costume parade created by designer Christian Milik. All supported by a powerful musical score performed live by the ARTFARM Orchestra under the baton of Joseph Getter. The production is directed by ARTFARM Artistic Director Marcella Trowbridge.

This will be like nothing you have ever seen.

Eighty percent Shakespeare, twenty percent Argument as a Producer, a Professor, an Actor and a Groundling debate what makes Shakespeare so great. Along the way new light is shed on A Midsummer Night's Dream, Henry V, Romeo & Juliet, Much Ado About Nothing, Measure for Measure, Macbeth and much more. Some of you may even get the chance to be onstage performing in Julius Caesar, and the play culminates in a riveting swordfight between Hamlet and Laertes created by our combat master David Chandler.

And it all starts TODAY!! So plan your picnic, invite your friends and make your way to the Grove early and often. Shakespeare's Argument starts at 7 pm sharp on July 14 - 17 and 21 - 24 in the Grove at Middlesex Community College, 100 Training Hill Road, Middletown. Admission is pay if you can, with a $20 suggested donation. There is an indoor location in case of rain. And the pre-show music starts every night at 6 pm.

Opening the impressive roster of musical acts for 2011 is Sirius Coyote, a well-known local trio which offers a unique take on original and traditional music of the Americas with a strong environmental message. Arrive by 6 to secure a good spot for your blanket or lawn chair and miss neither a note nor a word.

Here is the schedule of musicians for the two week run (more details on individual musicians at www.art-farm.org):

July 14: Sirius Coyote
July 15: Phil Rosenthal
July 16: Chuck Costa
July 17: Lorena Garay
July 21: They Might Be Gypsies
July 22: Nancy Tucker
July 23: The BC3
July 24: Tom Callinan

And every evening (as long as it lasts) we will be selling ice cream from Cold Stone Creamery.

This production is co-sponsored by the Humanities and Arts Division at Middlesex Community College (clearly one of the most enlightened Community Colleges in the State), and is supported by the Middletown Commission on the Arts, Pratt & Whitney, the Connecticut Commission on Culture and Tourism, our Shakespeare Slam participants and sponsors, and by the generosity of our individual donors and donations from audience members. ARTFARM is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization which cultivates high-quality theater with a commitment to simple living, environmental sustainability and social justice.

And 2011 is ARTFARM's TENTH BIRTHDAY, so come join us in the Grove for Shakespeare's Argument!

Questions? Call (860) 346-4390 or email info@art-farm.org. Website: www.art-farm.org.

Rehearsal photo above shows Marcella Trowbridge and Jess Gabbard as Hamlet and Laertes. Photo by Ben Jordan.